The Eliminate Dioxin Drive

CHRISTCHURCH: Greenpeace has today launched its Eliminate
Dioxin Drive which will highlight the extent of dangerous
dioxin pollution around New Zealand, and call on the
government to eliminate dioxins.

"The Eliminate Dioxin
Drive has been launched at one of New Zealand's many dioxin
polluting sites, the Christchurch Medical Waste Incinerator
operated by the Medical Waste Group. The nine-centre tour
will highlight dioxin polluting sites around the country to
show New Zealanders just how widespread the problem is,"
says Greenpeace Toxics Campaigner, Sue Connor.

Dioxins are
some of the most dangerous chemicals known - they cause
cancer, birth defects and infertility.

"Greenpeace will be
encouraging people and communities to join with it in
calling on the government to agree to eliminate dangerous
dioxins. At present the greatest obstacle to protecting New
Zealanders, the environment and future generations from
dangerous dioxins is the New Zealand government," says
Connor.

"Only a handful of nations involved in developing
an international toxics treaty have so far refused to aim to
eliminate dioxins. New Zealand is one of those. The vast
majority of countries have agreed to eliminate dioxins - and
at present New Zealand is undermining that global aim.

"Dioxin elimination is the only way to protect future
generations and the environment," concludes
Connor.

Greenpeace today also launches the Toxics-Map
website which highlights 40 dioxin polluting sites around
the country. The web site will allow people to take
immediate action to call on their member of parliament and
the Minister for the Environment, Marian Hobbs to urge the
government to stand up for New Zealander's health and
environment and aim to eliminate dioxins. Check it out
on

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